Bone Grafting in Dawsonville, GA
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Did you know…
Oral surgeons complete at least a 4-year residency after attending dental or medical school.
What to expect: The oral surgery process
Consultation
Your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon if they suspect you may need a bone graft or other oral surgery in preparation for a related treatment. Your Dawsonville oral surgeon will perform an exam and take any necessary x-rays or other images to gain a thorough understanding of your oral health needs.
Treatment Planning & Preparation
Your doctor or oral surgeon will walk you through your planned treatment, what to expect from the procedure, and how to prepare for your visit in Dawsonville.
Sedation Options
Your oral surgeon will help you decide what type of sedation will be best for you. Oral surgeons are experts at safely administering general anesthesia and all other forms of sedation.
Day of Surgery
Bone grafting requires the use of sedation, so you will need to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment on the day of your procedure. Listen to your doctor’s specific recommendations, but plan on taking a day off and be sure to have someone to watch over you for the rest of the day.
Healing & Aftercare
Give yourself a few days to heal after surgery. Swelling and pain is normal for the first 48 hours, so keep your head elevated and use ice packs to reduce swelling. Also stick to soft foods and avoid eating or drinking anything too hot for the first week. After a week or so, you can start to resume your normal diet and the pain should subside into more mild discomfort. You’ll start to feel normal after a few weeks, but it will take several months for your jaw to fully heal. Your doctor will provide you with specific aftercare instructions on the day of your visit.
Common oral surgeries
Bone Grafts
Extractions are typically done for teeth that have been damaged by oral injuries, gum disease, or tooth decay. Extractions are also necessary in preparation for restorative treatments, such as dentures or dental implants.
For example, a full arch of dentures will require all remaining teeth of that arch to be removed so that the denture can seat completely over the gums. Some extractions are simpler than others, but these procedures are usually classified as oral surgeries.
Sinus Lifts
Bone grafts, or bone tissue transplants, are used to repair weak, fractured or traumatized bones within the body. The most common use of bone grafting is in preparation of placing a dental implant.
After tooth loss, the jaw begins to deteriorate. This weakened jaw bone needs to be strengthened in order to properly support the post of a dental implant. Bone grafting uses processed bone minerals that stimulate bone growth and the formation of new bone. Healing and recovery from the surgery is similar to that of a tooth extraction, but it will take 3 to 6 months for bone mass to generate.
Socket Preservation
A sinus lift (also known as a sinus graft, sinus augmentation, or sinus procedure) is a surgery that adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars. This is the space between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses on either side of your nose.
Tooth loss can cause a collapse of the socket, which leads to a loss in height and width of the surrounding bone, as well as a loss in overall volume of the bone. A sinus lift will graft extra bone to the maxillary sinus, allowing a dental implant to be successfully placed and your smile to be restored.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge Augmentation, or alveoloplasty, is a common dental procedure in which the alveolar ridge, (the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth), is surgically smoothed and re-contoured.
The procedure may be performed on its own after a tooth extraction, or in preparation for something like dental implants or dentures. The recontouring creates a more suitable shape for the placement of the implant or other prosthetic. This helps to create a stable base for the dental appliance and reduces complications, increases longevity, and improves patient comfort.
Ramus Graft
A Ramus graft is an autogenous bone graft that uses bone from a patient’s own body, (usually from a part of the jaw called the mandibular ramus). By using the patient’s own bone, the risk of rejection and other complications is reduced, and the body is encouraged to grow new bone as a result.
Lazarus Graft
The Lazarus grafting technique involves utilizing bone from a donor other than the patient receiving the graft, usually from a cadaver. This is an effective treatment for patients in Dawsonville or Gainesville with conditions that affect their overall bone density, or for situations that require a greater amount of bone tissue to be added.
Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafting, or gum grafting, is performed to replace gum tissue that has receded and left the roots exposed. Gum recession can make it easier for bacteria to make their way into the space between the teeth and gums, leading to pain and discomfort due to decay, infection, and even bone loss.
Did you know…
Bone grafts may be necessary before placing dental implants.
Have questions about bone grafting? Find answers here.
What is an oral surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes special training and additional education after dental or medical school. Oral surgeons must complete a minimum of a 4-year residency in a hospital-based surgical program alongside medical residents to gain expertise in a variety of different specialties, including anesthesia.
How long does bone grafting take?
The length of time required to perform a bone graft can vary depending on several factors. Where the graft is taking place, the size of the graft, and the type of material used can all impact the duration of your procedure. Your oral surgeon will provide you with a thorough explanation of the treatment, and give you information about what to expect on the day of the procedure and how to properly prepare for it.
How much do bone grafts cost?
The cost of oral surgery varies from procedure to procedure based on the complexity of the surgery and the materials used. If your dental and/or medical insurance doesn’t cover your oral surgery, ask about financing options so you can create a payment plan that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Is bone grafting covered by insurance?
Bone grafts may be covered in full or in part by your insurance provider depending on your particular plan and scope of coverage. Talk to your dental and medical insurance providers about your benefits to find out if your recommended oral surgery will be covered. Our Dawsonville team recommends filing your claim with both your dental and medical insurance providers, as the surgery may qualify as a medically necessary procedure.
Did you know…
The average recovery time for most oral surgeries is only 3 days.